dataset · United Kingdom

BGS Seabed Sediments 250k version 3.0

The BGS Seabed Sediments 250k dataset is vector data which reflects the distribution of seabed substrate types of the UK and some of its adjacent waters (the UK Exclusive Economic Zone, EEZ) at 1:250,000 scale. This comprehensive dataset provides a digital compilation of the paper maps published by BGS at the same scale, as well as additional re-interpretations from regional geological studies. The seabed is commonly covered by sediments that form a veneer or thicker superficial layer of unconso

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Source details

Licence: ["The copyright of materials derived from the British Geological Survey's work is vested in the Natural Environment Research Council [NERC]. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in an

Evidence quality: 32.2

Listed in data.gov.uk public catalogue API on 2026-10-16; relevance/value screened (haiku).

Metadata checked: 2026-10-14T13:20:00.000Z

What's in it

Data offered docs-verified: seabed substrate type distribution (sediment classes) · grain-size-based sediment classification (modified Folk triangle)
Coverage docs-verified: UK and some adjacent waters (UK Exclusive Economic Zone) · Source data from mapping surveys since the early 1970s; dataset creation date 2011-04-01
Resolution docs-verified: 1:250,000 map scale; not for local or site-specific use
Update frequency docs-verified: irregular
Formats docs-verified: vector (specific file format not stated)
Access docs-verified: No auth listed in entry (auth: null); download method not stated in docs. Reuse restricted: NERC/BGS copyright, reproduction requires prior permission of the copyright holder.

Useful for

Use cases llm-inferred: Regional marine habitat baseline for offshore EIA or cable/pipeline route screening · Dredging or aggregate site screening at regional scale before detailed survey · Marine spatial planning overview of seabed sediment types for UK waters
Audience docs-verified: marine habitat mappers · marine spatial planners · offshore industries (dredging and aggregates)

Limitations

Constraints docs-verified: Regional 1:250,000 scale; not suitable for local or site-specific geology · Data density varies, so mapping detail varies by area · Marine/offshore coverage only, not onshore · No warranty on accuracy or suitability; use at customer's own risk · Irregular update frequency · Reuse restricted by NERC copyright

Evidence

Check upstream coverage, uncertainty and licence before use. Station observations are not forecasts or design levels.